The Systems Theory The systems theorist sees the family as a social system with its own rules, roles and structures. If an individual in the family is having a problem then this becomes the problem of the whole family because they are viewed as a system with interrelated and functional parts. The aspect of the theory which I am having problem with is the fact that the theorist sees the whole system as dysfunctional whenever there is a problem with one individual. In a system I believe all parts are functional but I do not believe all parts are of equal importance. For example on a human body the head would be of more importance than an arm. Therefore if someone loses a head that’s the end of their life but if they lose an arm life goes on. They can function without that arm or they can use an artificial one. Finally, I am in agreement with the theorist when they say boundaries exist in the family and it also protects the members from hostile external elements. However, I don’t understand when the theory make mention of the unstated rules in the family which can be dangerous. There are unstated rules in every family but through socialization individuals will learn them. For example a family who has instills great values and attitudes in their young ones. The family would not expect one of its members to rob and kill people even though it was not stated.
I must say i do agree with you that if one member is dysfunctional the entire family cannot and should not be blamed.What i cant agree with you is the fact that you mention that each parts or member is not as important,also your example the arm is just as important as the brain or any other part,losing a arm may pose a challenge it may not be as drastic as losing the head but its just as important for the body to function effectively and efficiently.
The systems theory views the family as a whole structure with parts. The whole (family) is of more importance than any of its parts (individuals). That is, the family is greater than any of its member. This theory therefore examines the grounds on which families’ stand. In that the family works as a functioning unit to solve problems, decision making and achieve collective goals. For example when I was a child, the bed time in my household was 7:00pm and we had to say our prayers and tell everyone good night. This was a system in my household. So, we abided by these rules to ensure order and stability in our family. We also had to pray before eating and had to eat together as a whole family. This micro perspective also looks at the family as it relates to families boundaries. This theoretical perspective largely analysis what holds families together. In that it looks at some of the fundamental principles of a family. For example when a baby is born in my family, it is everyone’s duty to visit the baby with tokens and help the mother whether by washing, ironing, cooking or even folding clothes and helping to hold the baby. This which is systematic in my family is described by this theory as helping family members during the helpful times. Having maintained these functions, the family would therefore be considered a whole. This theory also examines how individual family personalities affect family members. There is a old parable that states, “show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are”. Though this should not be the case, what this theory is saying, is that one member can affect the family and this is very much evident in many families. Another parable that could be use to explain this is,” one bad apple spoils the whole bunch”. Should one bad apple cause you to regard the bunch as being unfit for consumption? It is the same wit families. For example if there is a thief in the family, that family will then be labeled as the thieving family.
In the family systems theory, the family is seen as a whole and not just as individuals. The whole family is involved with making decisions, solving problems and achieving collective goals. This may lead to balance in the family. I do agree with the theorist to an extent, on the part that speaks about problems experienced by a family member and how the entire family work together to solve the problems. Examples of this was when my sister lost her first child and when my mother died, this affected the entire family and we all worked together to restore some kind of normalcy to our family. This changed the entire family structure, especially when my family is having their annual family reunion during the Christmas holidays. The person who usually does the cooking is no longer around (my mother), and my eldest sister now takes on that role. In the systems theory all families have boundaries, stepping outside of that boundary would result in you being punished. All families have rules which must be adhered to. In my family one of the rule was to be home by no later than 4’oclock when we were going to school. Failure to obey this rule would result in you being beaten or punished by going for all the goats by yourself, to put them up safely for the night. These rules in the family helped us to become responsible, independent beings and prepared us for when we were ready to venture out into society. Overstepping boundaries does not make the family dysfunctional in its entirety, only the affected member or members should be dysfunctional. Example if a particular member is going through a divorce, it should not affect the entire family only if children are involved. As the theorists speak about the hidden rules in the family, these rules can bring about a negative or positive result. These are things a child may grow up seeing his or her parents do everyday example a boy or girl seeing his or her father smoking. Another example is a girl seeing her mother dating several guys on different occasions. These hidden rules are what help to shape an individual’s values and attitudes. Parent should model positive behaviours for their child or children
The Family System Theory This theory views the family as a whole, where each must member work together to make certain decisions, solve problems and achieve collective goals as a family to accomplish equilibrium. The family is like a cake as the theorist puts it ,you gather all the necessary tools and equipment needed to make the cake ,you followed the same methods and yet you get a tough ,sunken cake The same thing apply to the family whatever you put in is not necessarily what you get out. I must say am in total agreement with this theory that families must work together towards equilibrium but what I cannot seem to understand is, how can the family be dysfunctional when one individual falter?? A family can teaches its members all and no more but when a member deviates the entire family cannot be at fault. My family teaches it members all that we needed to know about boys and sex, my younger sister who claimed that she was experimenting got pregnant and had to drop out of school, should my family be blamed for her careless behavior?? after she was taught!!! Furthermore each family has its own boundaries. Every member is expected to stay within these boundaries in my family when we were going to school you are expected to be home 3:30 – 4pm the latest from school failure to do so was no lunch for school the next morning this teaches us how to be responsible and how to respect time and persons that is set above you. Boundaries must be set by all families so as to guide its members in the right path.
The family system theorist is of the view that the members of a family cannot be understood individually but as a group. The theory indicates that the family system is interconnected and all individual depend on each other. In the family system each member of the family should respond to each other in a particular way depending on their role and agreement within the relationship. For example in my family we would sit and eat dinner together as a family each day and the older children in the family would be expected to take care of the younger ones at school. The theorist is of the view that members of the family display the same behaviour. I do not agree because, members of my family do not attend parties but my nephew who grew up in the same family attend a lot of parties. In the family system theory the same behaviour may create a balance in the family, but can also cause dysfunction in the family. From my perspective the family system and the structural functionalism theory are somewhat similar. The family system theory focuses on the ideal family in which all parts of the family are dependent on each other. For example, if the husband is going through a depressive stage and is to carry out his responsibility the wife will have to take up more responsibilities. This may lead to a dysfunction because the wife would be overburdened and may be unable to perform to her full potential. I do not think this theory is realistic and cannot be applied to most family structures that exist in society today.
Family Systems Theory The theory looks at the family as a whole which is made up as parts. The whole family in its entirety is more important than an individual member. It explains when an individual family member has a dilemma; the dilemma does not only affect the individual but the entire family. However, boundaries are set and whenever someone tries to over step those boundaries they will be punishment. Boundaries have to be set as it gives individual a sense of stability. In my family while growing up, every child had a 6o’clock curfew on a Friday evening to hang out with friends, if the rule was not adhere to it would result in you getting beaten and not stay out late on Fridays for at least a month. This punishment would also affect everyone staying out late and we as siblings would malice each other for a day or two for this then we become friends again. We enjoyed our selves while out with friends thus we would not take advantage of the situations as we want to do it regularly. I am in total disagreement with the theory because I am of the view that ‘to each his own” but the theory sees the family as dysfunctional whenever there is a problem with an individual in the family. The theory does not look at the whys of how an argument starts and how the argument got started. Because I was punished for my sibling irresponsibility or they for my irresponsibility that did not cause us to be dysfunctional as a family. What it taught us was to have each other’s back and whenever our curfew was close we would meet at a point and go home together.
Family System Theory The theory views the family as a system where each member operates and use the knowledge to achieve their desired goals. Each member is important as a system working together, they perform different functions. The family system can be compared to the body where each body parts cannot perform certain task without the other. Hence, for e.g. If the bread winner which is my father is sick for a period of time and cannot work to sustain the family then the family will not function financially. This concept proves that the family is greater than the parts of the system. The family system theory is also of the idea where the family is highlighted as a mini community. This social institution can be associated with how the family handle information, deal with problems, respond to crisis, and regulate contact with the outside world. These problems result in the family because of how each member relate to each other. For instance, there was a situation within my family where my mother took a bank loan in order to purchase a car. She used all the money to maintain the car. The family was in crisis because she had to start paying back the loan within a month, by this time she had no money to take care of the bills. Therefore problems started to erupt where strategies had to be implemented to deal with these issues and how to cope with the crisis within the family. However, each family member works together as a team to ensure that the situation did not split the family a part but draws them closer.
In System Theory each member of the family is an individual and each individual come together to make up the family unit. In my family there are five parts (members) that make up the whole: my father, mother, two smaller brothers and myself. The system theory believes that all the members of the family put together are greater than each part or each specific individual. An example of this can be shown where; my father decides that he wants to take the family out on a cruise in August however the family may say the children will need things for school September and the cruise will be too costly. In this case the family as a whole will make the decision not to go on the cruise.
In my family all five of us have to play our role. The system theory states that failure to play the role given will upset the equilibrium. This theory also speaks about boundaries. Every family has boundaries, some more than others. Boundaries in my family include; coming in early, ensuring that someone knows where you are and having respect for everyone. These boundaries are put in place to not only keep our family safe but also make each individual comfortable. Both my parents resort to negative feedback when these rules are not followed. This theory sees the family as dysfunctional when problems arise from not following the rules.
There is no specific head of the house hold in my family. Both parents are placed equally at the top. This could cause a double bind, however, this does not occur in my family as decisions of rules and regulations are made between both parents before it is given to children.
The family system theory focuses on the family as a unit and not as an individual. I agree with the theorist because family members are to cooperate with each other in order to maintain a balance life. When all family members work together, goals set can be achieved easily. Yes there may be challenges but when problems are communicated and family work through them it makes things easier for each of the family member. The area of the theory that interests me the most is the fact that the family may see one member as the problem, but if the psychologist draws the whole family into therapy, the family system should begin to change. If the family does not deal with situations as they arise then they may follow through from generations to generations. If my husband and I are having marital problem if this is not dealt with in counselling then the problem may continue and end with divorce, therefore every effort must be made to deal with situations as they arise. If my husband move out of the house without the problem being solve then moving out will only make things worse. The system theorist often gives family members insight into the effects of their behaviour if in case a person commit a crime against another family member then another family member might say, “we are family just let it go”. My belief is a person should be punished for crimes committed whether family or not. This might not make the situation better but justice must be served despite the relationship between the individuals.
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ReplyDeleteThe Systems Theory
ReplyDeleteThe systems theorist sees the family as a social system with its own rules, roles and structures. If an individual in the family is having a problem then this becomes the problem of the whole family because they are viewed as a system with interrelated and functional parts.
The aspect of the theory which I am having problem with is the fact that the theorist sees the whole system as dysfunctional whenever there is a problem with one individual. In a system I believe all parts are functional but I do not believe all parts are of equal importance. For example on a human body the head would be of more importance than an arm. Therefore if someone loses a head that’s the end of their life but if they lose an arm life goes on. They can function without that arm or they can use an artificial one.
Finally, I am in agreement with the theorist when they say boundaries exist in the family and it also protects the members from hostile external elements. However, I don’t understand when the theory make mention of the unstated rules in the family which can be dangerous. There are unstated rules in every family but through socialization individuals will learn them. For example a family who has instills great values and attitudes in their young ones. The family would not expect one of its members to rob and kill people even though it was not stated.
I must say i do agree with you that if one member is dysfunctional the entire family cannot and should not be blamed.What i cant agree with you is the fact that you mention that each parts or member is not as important,also your example the arm is just as important as the brain or any other part,losing a arm may pose a challenge it may not be as drastic as losing the head but its just as important for the body to function effectively and efficiently.
DeleteThe systems theory views the family as a whole structure with parts. The whole (family) is of more importance than any of its parts (individuals). That is, the family is greater than any of its member.
ReplyDeleteThis theory therefore examines the grounds on which families’ stand. In that the family works as a functioning unit to solve problems, decision making and achieve collective goals. For example when I was a child, the bed time in my household was 7:00pm and we had to say our prayers and tell everyone good night. This was a system in my household. So, we abided by these rules to ensure order and stability in our family. We also had to pray before eating and had to eat together as a whole family. This micro perspective also looks at the family as it relates to families boundaries. This theoretical perspective largely analysis what holds families together. In that it looks at some of the fundamental principles of a family. For example when a baby is born in my family, it is everyone’s duty to visit the baby with tokens and help the mother whether by washing, ironing, cooking or even folding clothes and helping to hold the baby. This which is systematic in my family is described by this theory as helping family members during the helpful times. Having maintained these functions, the family would therefore be considered a whole.
This theory also examines how individual family personalities affect family members. There is a old parable that states, “show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are”. Though this should not be the case, what this theory is saying, is that one member can affect the family and this is very much evident in many families. Another parable that could be use to explain this is,” one bad apple spoils the whole bunch”. Should one bad apple cause you to regard the bunch as being unfit for consumption? It is the same wit families. For example if there is a thief in the family, that family will then be labeled as the thieving family.
In the family systems theory, the family is seen as a whole and not just as individuals. The whole family is involved with making decisions, solving problems and achieving collective goals. This may lead to balance in the family. I do agree with the theorist to an extent, on the part that speaks about problems experienced by a family member and how the entire family work together to solve the problems. Examples of this was when my sister lost her first child and when my mother died, this affected the entire family and we all worked together to restore some kind of normalcy to our family. This changed the entire family structure, especially when my family is having their annual family reunion during the Christmas holidays. The person who usually does the cooking is no longer around (my mother), and my eldest sister now takes on that role.
ReplyDeleteIn the systems theory all families have boundaries, stepping outside of that boundary would result in you being punished. All families have rules which must be adhered to. In my family one of the rule was to be home by no later than 4’oclock when we were going to school. Failure to obey this rule would result in you being beaten or punished by going for all the goats by yourself, to put them up safely for the night. These rules in the family helped us to become responsible, independent beings and prepared us for when we were ready to venture out into society. Overstepping boundaries does not make the family dysfunctional in its entirety, only the affected member or members should be dysfunctional. Example if a particular member is going through a divorce, it should not affect the entire family only if children are involved.
As the theorists speak about the hidden rules in the family, these rules can bring about a negative or positive result. These are things a child may grow up seeing his or her parents do everyday example a boy or girl seeing his or her father smoking. Another example is a girl seeing her mother dating several guys on different occasions. These hidden rules are what help to shape an individual’s values and attitudes. Parent should model positive behaviours for their child or children
The Family System Theory
ReplyDeleteThis theory views the family as a whole, where each must member work together to make certain decisions, solve problems and achieve collective goals as a family to accomplish equilibrium. The family is like a cake as the theorist puts it ,you gather all the necessary tools and equipment needed to make the cake ,you followed the same methods and yet you get a tough ,sunken cake The same thing apply to the family whatever you put in is not necessarily what you get out.
I must say am in total agreement with this theory that families must work together towards equilibrium but what I cannot seem to understand is, how can the family be dysfunctional when one individual falter?? A family can teaches its members all and no more but when a member deviates the entire family cannot be at fault. My family teaches it members all that we needed to know about boys and sex, my younger sister who claimed that she was experimenting got pregnant and had to drop out of school, should my family be blamed for her careless behavior?? after she was taught!!!
Furthermore each family has its own boundaries. Every member is expected to stay within these boundaries in my family when we were going to school you are expected to be home 3:30 – 4pm the latest from school failure to do so was no lunch for school the next morning this teaches us how to be responsible and how to respect time and persons that is set above you. Boundaries must be set by all families so as to guide its members in the right path.
FAMILY SYSTEM THEORY
ReplyDeleteThe family system theorist is of the view that the members of a family cannot be understood individually but as a group. The theory indicates that the family system is interconnected and all individual depend on each other. In the family system each member of the family should respond to each other in a particular way depending on their role and agreement within the relationship. For example in my family we would sit and eat dinner together as a family each day and the older children in the family would be expected to take care of the younger ones at school. The theorist is of the view that members of the family display the same behaviour. I do not agree because, members of my family do not attend parties but my nephew who grew up in the same family attend a lot of parties. In the family system theory the same behaviour may create a balance in the family, but can also cause dysfunction in the family. From my perspective the family system and the structural functionalism theory are somewhat similar. The family system theory focuses on the ideal family in which all parts of the family are dependent on each other. For example, if the husband is going through a depressive stage and is to carry out his responsibility the wife will have to take up more responsibilities. This may lead to a dysfunction because the wife would be overburdened and may be unable to perform to her full potential.
I do not think this theory is realistic and cannot be applied to most family structures that exist in society today.
Family Systems Theory
ReplyDeleteThe theory looks at the family as a whole which is made up as parts. The whole family in its entirety is more important than an individual member. It explains when an individual family member has a dilemma; the dilemma does not only affect the individual but the entire family. However, boundaries are set and whenever someone tries to over step those boundaries they will be punishment. Boundaries have to be set as it gives individual a sense of stability.
In my family while growing up, every child had a 6o’clock curfew on a Friday evening to hang out with friends, if the rule was not adhere to it would result in you getting beaten and not stay out late on Fridays for at least a month. This punishment would also affect everyone staying out late and we as siblings would malice each other for a day or two for this then we become friends again. We enjoyed our selves while out with friends thus we would not take advantage of the situations as we want to do it regularly.
I am in total disagreement with the theory because I am of the view that ‘to each his own” but the theory sees the family as dysfunctional whenever there is a problem with an individual in the family. The theory does not look at the whys of how an argument starts and how the argument got started. Because I was punished for my sibling irresponsibility or they for my irresponsibility that did not cause us to be dysfunctional as a family. What it taught us was to have each other’s back and whenever our curfew was close we would meet at a point and go home together.
Family System Theory
ReplyDeleteThe theory views the family as a system where each member operates and use the knowledge to achieve their desired goals. Each member is important as a system working together, they perform different functions. The family system can be compared to the body where each body parts cannot perform certain task without the other. Hence, for e.g. If the bread winner which is my father is sick for a period of time and cannot work to sustain the family then the family will not function financially. This concept proves that the family is greater than the parts of the system.
The family system theory is also of the idea where the family is highlighted as a mini community. This social institution can be associated with how the family handle information, deal with problems, respond to crisis, and regulate contact with the outside world. These problems result in the family because of how each member relate to each other. For instance, there was a situation within my family where my mother took a bank loan in order to purchase a car. She used all the money to maintain the car. The family was in crisis because she had to start paying back the loan within a month, by this time she had no money to take care of the bills. Therefore problems started to erupt where strategies had to be implemented to deal with these issues and how to cope with the crisis within the family. However, each family member works together as a team to ensure that the situation did not split the family a part but draws them closer.
System Theory
ReplyDeleteIn System Theory each member of the family is an individual and each individual come together to make up the family unit. In my family there are five parts (members) that make up the whole: my father, mother, two smaller brothers and myself. The system theory believes that all the members of the family put together are greater than each part or each specific individual. An example of this can be shown where; my father decides that he wants to take the family out on a cruise in August however the family may say the children will need things for school September and the cruise will be too costly. In this case the family as a whole will make the decision not to go on the cruise.
In my family all five of us have to play our role. The system theory states that failure to play the role given will upset the equilibrium. This theory also speaks about boundaries. Every family has boundaries, some more than others. Boundaries in my family include; coming in early, ensuring that someone knows where you are and having respect for everyone. These boundaries are put in place to not only keep our family safe but also make each individual comfortable. Both my parents resort to negative feedback when these rules are not followed. This theory sees the family as dysfunctional when problems arise from not following the rules.
There is no specific head of the house hold in my family. Both parents are placed equally at the top. This could cause a double bind, however, this does not occur in my family as decisions of rules and regulations are made between both parents before it is given to children.
The family system theory focuses on the family as a unit and not as an individual. I agree with the theorist because family members are to cooperate with each other in order to maintain a balance life. When all family members work together, goals set can be achieved easily. Yes there may be challenges but when problems are communicated and family work through them it makes things easier for each of the family member.
ReplyDeleteThe area of the theory that interests me the most is the fact that the family may see one member as the problem, but if the psychologist draws the whole family into therapy, the family system should begin to change. If the family does not deal with situations as they arise then they may follow through from generations to generations. If my husband and I are having marital problem if this is not dealt with in counselling then the problem may continue and end with divorce, therefore every effort must be made to deal with situations as they arise. If my husband move out of the house without the problem being solve then moving out will only make things worse.
The system theorist often gives family members insight into the effects of their behaviour if in case a person commit a crime against another family member then another family member might say, “we are family just let it go”. My belief is a person should be punished for crimes committed whether family or not. This might not make the situation better but justice must be served despite the relationship between the individuals.